Court Grants Abubakar Malami, Son N200m Bail Each in Alleged Terrorism Financing Case

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted bail to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz, in the sum of N200 million each over alleged terrorism-related offences.

The presiding judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, ruled that both defendants must provide two sureties each in the same amount. The court further directed that one of the sureties must submit the title deed of a developed property located in either Asokoro or Maitama in Abuja. In addition, the defendants were ordered to deposit their international passports with the court.

Malami and his son were arraigned on February 3 on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.

The Department of State Services (DSS) accused the former AGF of failing to prosecute individuals suspected of financing terrorism, despite case files reportedly being forwarded to his office. According to the charge sheet, Malami allegedly “knowingly abetted terrorism financing” by declining to initiate prosecution against the suspects, contrary to Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The DSS also alleged that Malami and his son were found in possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live rounds of Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges at their residence in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, without a valid licence.

Prosecutors argued that the alleged possession of the firearm and ammunition constituted preparation to commit an act of terrorism, contrary to Section 29 of the same Act.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Counsel to the prosecution, A.U. Igwe, informed the court that the case file has been transferred to the Department of Public Prosecution for further handling.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to March 4 for further hearing.